Elara trailed behind Lady Seraphine, her mind racing with plans that quickly crumbled as soon as they formed. The market was alive with activity, a swirl of colors, sounds, and smells, but none of it could distract her from the single thought pounding through her head: escape.
She had been so close.
Now, as they moved from stall to stall, Seraphine never let her out of sight, and one of the guards hovered uncomfortably close, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble or perhaps just for her.
Elara clenched her fists. She couldn't give up. She wouldn't give up.
The group paused at a stall selling delicate jewelry, Lady Seraphine examining a necklace of silver and emeralds. Elara glanced to her left, where a narrow alley snaked between two buildings, disappearing into shadow. Her pulse quickened.
This could be it. She could slip away while Seraphine was distracted by the glittering jewels.
